Evidence mounting to support end to body checking in minor hockey | Huron News NowHuron News Now

Think of all the sports news shows highlighting fights in the professional leagues that glorify the hard hits, accidental and otherwise. There is a whole generation of young, keen players putting themselves in the skates of these pros.

Indeed the call for more non-contact hockey or at least starting at later ages is getting louder. This is just one of many articles I’ve seen to the same effect over the last couple of months. Having had a Boy go through 13 years of rep hockey, which included body contact, without sustaining a significant injury, including no concussions, I’m not sure exactly where I stand on this one yet. But I recognize that I and he may be the lucky ones. The Devil on the other hand has played non-contact and has sustained a minor concussion from an accidental collision. I know we should likely err on the side of caution when it comes to the safety and welfare of our kids, but how far do we go in changing the games they play to protect them? I do welcome any and all opinions as always.

The safety of the kids is exactly why this is a terrible idea. Learning to take a body check is a skill just like deking. Maybe, maybe… you decrease the injuries in minor hockey but I wouldn’t even want to hazard a guess as to the spike in injuries when the kids reach a level where contact is introduced. Essentially they are saying “Lets wait until the kids bodies are solid and virtually full grown, then allow them to launch themselves at other players who don’t know how to brace for a hit.”